Is dental x-ray harmful? also how much dental hygine cleaning lightens the tooth?
Posted on September 1, 2010
The reason I want to go to the dental clinique of our university is that I want my tooth get lighter. I know that it is not whitening which is cosmetic. They told me it is only cleaning that only removes the plaques from your tooth, and before cleaning process (which Flouride is excluded from it) they have this dental x-ray to check-up the tooth. I don't know if it worths going for check up when they have x-ray.
What do you think about it. (also I have also tried Crest whitening strips once but they are expensive and they do not whiten the tooth that much either)
September 1st, 2010 - 14:48
I agree that dental X-rays add only a small amount of radiation to your body. I would not call any amount of X-ray exposure "next to nothing" like a previous answerer suggests, but it is a matter of balancing. You need to compare the risk of the X-ray (very small) with its benefit in finding any cavities, which is huge. So by all means go ahead with the X-rays. You need them if you want to take care of your teeth.
The hygienist’s cleaning will make your teeth look and feel cleaner, but as you say, they won’t be any whiter. Over the counter products, like Crest White Strips do make them whiter, but they only change them by a few shades. For many people, a few shades is enough, but if your teeth are very yellow, they won’t turn them into brilliant white. Professional whitening products–the kind that dentists use–are more effective, but they are also much more expensive (hundreds of dollars). I think you should just concentrate on having clean, healthy teeth, and not worry about about trying to look like a movie star. After all, clean and healthy is much more important.
Good luck, and I hope this helps.
September 1st, 2010 - 14:48
The amount of X rays you are exposed too is next to nothing.